37 Facts About John Wojtowicz

Early Life and Family

John Stanley Joseph Wojtowicz's life began in New York City, where he was born on March 9, 1945. His upbringing in Brooklyn played a significant role in shaping his future.

1. Wojtowicz was the son of a Polish father and an Italian-American mother, Terry Basso.
2. Growing up in Brooklyn, he experienced a diverse and vibrant community that influenced his worldview.

Military Service

Wojtowicz's time in the military had a profound impact on his life, both personally and professionally.

3. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
4. His first homosexual experience occurred during basic training.
5. Wojtowicz survived a rocket attack on his base, which left a lasting impression on him.

Marriage and Relationships

Wojtowicz's personal life was marked by significant relationships that shaped his actions and motivations.

6. In 1967, he married Carmen Bifulco, with whom he had two children.
7. The couple separated in 1969, leading to a tumultuous period in Wojtowicz's life.
8. In 1971, he met Elizabeth Eden, a transgender woman, at the Feast of San Gennaro in New York City.
9. Wojtowicz and Eden had a public wedding ceremony that year, a bold act of defiance for LGBTQ+ rights at the time.

The Infamous Bank Robbery

The bank robbery that Wojtowicz orchestrated on August 22, 1972, became one of the most infamous heists in American history.

10. The initial motivation for the robbery was to pay for Elizabeth Eden's gender-affirming surgery.
11. The heist involved a well-planned Mafia operation that went horribly wrong.
12. Wojtowicz, Salvatore Naturile, and Robert Westenberg attempted to rob a Chase Manhattan Bank branch in Brooklyn.
13. The robbery lasted 14 hours, with seven bank employees held hostage.
14. Westenberg fled the scene before the robbery began.
15. Naturile was killed by the FBI during the final moments of the incident.
16. Wojtowicz was arrested and later sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Film Adaptation and Media Representation

Wojtowicz's story inspired the iconic film 'Dog Day Afternoon,' which brought his life into the public eye.

17. The film, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Al Pacino, was a critical and commercial success.
18. 'Dog Day Afternoon' won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1975.
19. Despite his involvement, Wojtowicz felt exploited by Hollywood and had financial disputes with the screenwriter, Frank Pierson.

Prison Life and Struggles

Wojtowicz's time in prison was marked by significant challenges and personal struggles.

20. He was initially imprisoned at the U.S. Maximum Security Fortress at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
21. Wojtowicz faced significant abuse in prison, including a vicious gang rape and beating.
22. He fought for his rights and demanded that 'Dog Day Afternoon' be shown to the prison population, which was eventually granted after external pressure.

Documentaries and Legacy

Wojtowicz's life has been the subject of multiple documentaries, offering a deeper understanding of his motivations and experiences.

23. 'The Dog' (2013) and 'The Third Memory' (1999) are notable documentaries about his life.
24. These films explore his life before, during, and after the bank robbery.

Financial Disputes and Post-Prison Life

Despite the fame from 'Dog Day Afternoon,' Wojtowicz faced financial struggles and legal battles.

25. He was granted $100,000 for the rights to his story and a percentage of the film's profits but saw very little financial gain.
26. Wojtowicz was involved in a lengthy legal battle over the exploitation of his story and the denial of his contractual rights.
27. After his release from prison, he struggled to find steady employment.
28. Wojtowicz often returned to the scene of the robbery to sell autographs and take pictures.
29. He even applied for a legitimate bank job, using 'Dog Day Afternoon' as a reference, but was unsuccessful.

Personal Struggles and Health Issues

Wojtowicz's life was marked by personal struggles and health issues, which ultimately led to his death.

30. His relationship with Elizabeth Eden faced significant challenges, including societal stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals.
31. Wojtowicz's grand romantic plot to rescue Eden during the bank robbery ultimately failed.
32. He passed away on January 2, 2006, at the age of 60, due to cancer.
33. His final years were marked by financial struggles and personal hardship.

Legacy and Historical Context

Wojtowicz's story has become a part of American folklore, symbolizing the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community and the complexities of human motivation.

34. His legacy extends beyond 'Dog Day Afternoon,' offering a nuanced exploration of love, identity, and the human condition.
35. The bank robbery took place in 1972, a time when LGBTQ+ rights were still in their infancy.
36. Wojtowicz's actions during the bank robbery can be seen as a radical act of queer love and defiance.
37. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and acceptance in society.

Wojtowicz's Legacy: A Tale of Love and Defiance

John Wojtowicz's life was a whirlwind of love, identity, and tragedy. His infamous bank robbery, driven by a desire to fund Elizabeth Eden's gender-affirming surgery, captivated the nation and inspired the film 'Dog Day Afternoon.' Despite facing harsh prison conditions and financial struggles, Wojtowicz's story remains a powerful symbol of the LGBTQ+ community's fight for acceptance. His romantic gesture, though flawed, highlighted the lengths one might go for love. The public's evolving perception of Wojtowicz—from a mere bank robber to a tragic hero—underscores the complexities of human motivation. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding and acceptance in society. Wojtowicz's tale, marked by both defiance and vulnerability, continues to inspire and educate, offering a deeper look into the human condition.